Fixturing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A fixturing apparatus which includes a tubular member formed to have an aperture extending therethrough, the aperture having a first end and a second end, in combination with a plurality of locking teeth disposed on a surface defining said aperture and extending into the aperture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/741,821, filed on Sep. 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein byreference and which claimed priority from an International PatentApplication having a PCT Application No. PCT/US08/82685 filed on Nov. 6,2008, which is incorporated herein by reference and which claimedpriority from a U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/985,881filed Nov. 6, 2007 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method to form a fixturing apparatus. Incertain embodiments, the invention relates to a fixturing apparatus forcables.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to releasably attached a first surface to asecond surface by disposing a plurality of flexible loop-type fastenerson one of the surfaces and a plurality of flexible hook-type fastenerson the other surface. When mated, the plurality of flexible hook-typefasteners engage with the plurality of flexible loop-type fasteners toreleasably secure the first surface to the second surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in whichlike reference designators are used to designate like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of Applicant's fixturing apparatus 100;

FIG. 2 is a top view of Applicant's fixturing apparatus 100;

FIG. 3A illustrates a subassembly used to form the fixturing apparatusof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B illustrates two of the subassemblies of FIG. 3A being attachedto one another to form the fixturing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the fixturing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3D shows a first embodiment of Applicant's rigid locking tooth;

FIG. 3E shows a second embodiment of Applicant's rigid locking tooth;

FIG. 3F shows a third embodiment of Applicant's rigid locking tooth;

FIG. 3G shows a second perspective view of the rigid locking tooth ofFIG. 3F;

FIG. 3H shows a fourth embodiment of Applicant's rigid locking tooth;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth arranged in a first orientation;

FIG. 4B is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a second top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth arranged in a second orientation;

FIG. 5B is a top view of four of Applicant's rigid locking teetharranged in the orientation of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C shows the angle formed by the intersection of the long axes oftwo adjacent rigid locking teeth in the same column, wherein those rigidlocking teeth are arranged in the orientation of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a second top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth arranged in a third orientation;

FIG. 6B is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of Applicant's rigid locking teetharranged in a fourth orientation;

FIG. 7B is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth arranged in the orientation of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth arranged in a fifth orientation;

FIG. 8B is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a first top view of the plurality of Applicant's rigidlocking teeth arranged in a sixth orientation; and

FIG. 9B is a second top view of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the followingdescription with reference to the Figures, in which like numbersrepresent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout thisspecification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar languagemeans that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout thisspecification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the sameembodiment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are recited toprovide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the inventionmay be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, fixturing apparatus 100 comprises a tubularmember 102. Fixturing apparatus 100 is formed to include an aperture 106extending therethrough.

Aperture 106 is defined by cylindrical wall 105. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 1, a plurality of rigid locking teeth 104 extendoutwardly from cylindrical wall 105 into aperture 106. Aperture 106comprises a first opening 101 and a second opening 103.

Annular lip 108 is attached to tubular member 102 at opening 103 ofaperture 106. In certain embodiments, annular lip 108 and tubular member102 comprise an integral assembly.

FIG. 2 is a top view of fixturing apparatus 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, in certain embodiments fixturingapparatus 100 is formed from subassemblies 300A and 300B. Eachsubassembly 300 comprises a semi-circular member 302 in combination withlip 308 which extends outwardly from semi-circular member 302.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, a plurality of rigid lockingteeth 304 are formed in each subassembly 300. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 3B, a first plurality of rigid locking teeth 304A areformed in subassembly 300A, and second plurality of rigid locking teeth304B are formed in subassembly 300B.

In certain embodiments Applicant's fixturing apparatus 100 is formed byattaching surface 301A of a first fixturing subassembly 300A to surface303B of a second fixturing subassembly 300B, and by attaching surface303A of the first fixturing subassembly 300A to surface 301B of thesecond fixturing subassembly 300B.

In certain embodiments, the attachment of surfaces 301A and 303B, andthe attachment of surfaces 301B and 303A is made using an adhesive. Incertain embodiments, the attachment of surfaces 301A and 303B, and theattachment of surfaces 301B and 303A is made using ultrasonic welding.

In certain embodiments, Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth areformed from one or more metals. In certain embodiments, Applicant'splurality of rigid locking teeth are formed from one or more ceramicmaterials. In certain embodiments, Applicant's plurality of rigidlocking teeth are formed from a polymeric material selected from a groupconsisting of nylon, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyurethane,polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, andcombinations thereof. In certain embodiments, fixturing apparatus 100 isformed from a polymeric material selected from the group consisting ofnylon, polyamide, polyimide, polyamideimide, polyurethane, polyethylene,polypropylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of Applicant's fixturing apparatus100, and shows a first plurality of rigid locking teeth 220, 230, 240,and 250, disposed on aperture surface 105. In certain embodiments, thisportion of aperture surface 105 comprises surface 305A of subassembly300A. Locking teeth 220, 230, 240, and 250, comprise a portion of theplurality of locking teeth 104.

Rigid locking tooth 220 is formed to include a sloping side portion 222,and a gripping edge 224. Similarly, rigid locking teeth 230, 240, and250, are formed to include sloping side portions 232, 242, and 252,respectively. Rigid locking teeth 230, 240, and 250, are further formedto include gripping edges 234, 244, 254, and 264, respectively.

FIG. 3C further shows a second plurality of rigid locking teeth 260,270, 280, and 290, disposed on aperture surface 105. In certainembodiments, this portion of aperture surface 105 comprises surface 305Bof subassembly 300B. Locking teeth 260, 270, 280, and 290, comprise aportion of the plurality of locking teeth 104.

Rigid locking teeth 260, 270, 280, and 290, are formed to includesloping side portions 262, 272, 282, and 292, respectively. Rigidlocking teeth 260, 270, 280, and 290, are further formed to includegripping edges 264, 274, 284, and 294, respectively.

A fabric material, such as for example and without limitation strap 370,will slide across rigid locking teeth 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280,and 290 in the non-fixturing direction 380, wherein that fabric movesacross the sloping side portion of a rigid locking tooth beforecontacting the gripping edge of that rigid locking tooth. A fabricmaterial will not, however, slide across rigid locking teeth 220, 230,240, 250, 260, 270, 280, and 290, in the opposite, or fixturingdirection 390. Rather when a force is applied to the fabric along thefixturing direction 390, portions of the fabric will engage grippingedges 224, 234, 244, 254, 264, 274, 284, and 294, thereby preventingmovement of the fabric along the fixturing direction.

In embodiments wherein the fabric material comprises a plurality offlexible loop-type fasteners disposed on a surface in contact withlocking teeth gripping edges 224, 234, 244, and 254, the gripping edgesengage those flexible loop-type fasteners thereby preventing movement ofthe fabric in the fixturing direction. Similarly, in embodiments whereinthe fabric material comprises a plurality of flexible loop-typefasteners disposed on a surface in contact with locking teeth grippingedges 264, 274, 284, and 294, the gripping edges engage those flexibleloop-type fasteners thereby preventing movement of the fabric in thefixturing direction.

An end of a flexible strap 370 can be inserted into a first end 101 ofthe aperture 106, and moved in a first direction through aperture 106and outwardly therefrom through a second end 103 of aperture 106. Afterinsertion in and through aperture 106 in the first direction, theflexible strap 370 cannot be moved-backwardly through aperture 106 in asecond and 180 degree opposite direction.

Applicant has found that fixturing is extremely strong when the strap370 is confined to an enclosed channel, such as aperture 106, extendingthrough fixturing apparatus 100.

In certain embodiments, one or more of Applicant's rigid locking teethcomprises a rectangular base, a first rectangular surface attached to afirst end of said rectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom,and a second rectangular surface attached to an opposing end of saidrectangular base and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein a firstrectangular surface distal end is attached to a said second rectangularsurface distal end to form a gripping edge. For example and referringnow to FIG. 3D, in certain embodiments Applicant's fixturing apparatuscomprises one or more looking teeth 300. Rigid locking tooth 300comprises a first embodiment of a five-sided structure.

Referring now to FIG. 3E, in certain embodiments Applicant's fixturingapparatus comprises one or more looking teeth 302. Rigid locking tooth302 comprises a second embodiment of a five-sided structure.

Rigid locking teeth 300 and 302 comprise a rectangular base 310, a firstrectangular surface 320 attached to a first end 314 of rectangular base310 and extending outwardly therefrom, a second rectangular surface 340attached to a second end 318 of rectangular base 310 and extendingoutwardly therefrom, wherein a first rectangular surface distal end isattached to a said second rectangular surface distal end to form agripping edge 324.

With respect to rigid locking tooth 300, the first rectangular surface320 in combination with rectangular base 310 define an internal dihedralangle of about 90 degrees. With respect to rigid locking tooth 302, thefirst rectangular surface 320 in combination with rectangular base 310define an internal dihedral angle Φ greater than 90 degrees. In certainembodiments, Φ is about 110 degrees. In certain embodiments, Φ is about120 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 3F, in certain embodiments Applicant's fixturingapparatus comprises one or more rigid locking teeth 304. Rigid lockingtooth 304 comprises a first embodiment of a six-sided structure.Referring now to FIG. 3H, in certain embodiments Applicant's fixturingapparatus comprises one or more looking teeth 306. Rigid locking tooth306 comprises a second embodiment of a six-sided structure.

In certain embodiments, Applicant's fixturing apparatus comprises zeroor more rigid locking teeth 300, in combination with zero or more rigidlocking teeth 302, in combination with zero or more rigid locking teeth304, in combination with zero or more rigid locking teeth 306.

FIG. 3F shows Applicant's rigid locking tooth 304. The lengths, widths,heights, and axes, described with respect to rigid locking tooth 304also apply to rigid locking teeth 300, 302, and 306. Base 310 comprisesa rectangular shape defined by sides 312, 314, 316, and 318. Base 310comprises a length 372 and a width 382. In certain embodiments, length372 is between about 0.0002 mm and about 5.0 mm. In certain embodiments,width 382 is between about 0.0001 mm and about 2.5 mm.

Rectangular-shaped side 320, defined by sides 314, 322, 324, and 326, isattached to edge 314 of base 310 and extends upwardly therefrom. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, side 320 and base 310 intersect toform a dihedral angle of about ninety degrees (90°). Side 320 comprisesa height 375 and width 382.

In certain embodiments, height 375 is between about 0.0001 mm and about5 mm. In certain embodiments, height 375 is about 0.0001 mm. In certainembodiments, height 375 is about 0.001 mm. In certain embodiments,height 375 is about 0.01 mm. In certain embodiments, height 375 is about0.1 mm. In certain embodiments, height 375 is about 1 mm.

Rectangular-shaped side 330, defined by sides 318, 332, 334, and 336, isattached edge 318 of base 310, and extends upwardly therefrom. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 3F, side 330 and base 310 intersect toform a dihedral angle of about ninety degrees (90°). Side 330 comprisesa height 385 and width 382. In certain embodiments, height 385 isbetween about 0 mm and about 2.0 mm.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, where height 385 is 0 mm,rigid locking tooth 304 becomes rigid locking tooth 300. Where height385 is 0 mm, sides 336 and 318 are the same, and top portion 340intersects with base portion 310. The dimensions and axes described inFIGS. 3A through 3B are applicable to both rigid locking tooth 300 andrigid locking tooth 305.

Sides 320 and 330 have a facing relationship, wherein height 320 isgreater than height 330. In certain embodiments wherein height 385 isgreater than 0, the ratio of height 375 to height 385 is between about2:1 to about 6:1.

Top 340 comprises a rectangular shape, and is defined by sides 324, 342,336, and 344. Top 340 comprises width 382. Referring now to FIGS. 3A and3D, side 350 comprises a quadrilateral shape with two parallel sides 326and 334, and is defined by sides 312, 326, 334, and 344. Referring nowto FIGS. 3A and 3E, side 360 comprises a quadrilateral shape with twoparallel sides 322 and 332, and is defined by sides 316, 322, 332, and342.

Referring now to FIG. 3G, rigid locking tooth 300 comprises a long axis390 comprising a first center line of base 210, wherein that long axis390 is parallel to long sides 312 and 316 and bisects short sides 314and 318. Rigid locking tooth 300 further comprises short axis 395comprising a second center line of base 210, wherein that short axis 395is parallel to short sides 314 and 318 bisects long sides 312 and 316.

FIGS. 3E and 3H illustrate Applicant's rigid locking teeth 302 and 306.

As a general matter, individual rigid locking teeth disposed in anygiven plurality of rigid locking teeth 104 are arranged in a pattern ofcolumns and rows. In various embodiments of Applicant's invention, theorientations of individual rigid locking teeth disposed in such columnsand rows differ. These various orientations are described herein withreference to the relationship of the long axes 390 (FIG. 3G) and shortaxes 395 (FIG. 3G) of adjacent rigid locking teeth in the same column,and the relationship of the long axes 390 and short axes 395 of adjacentrigid locking teeth in the same row.

References herein to axes being “aligned” mean that those axes arecoaxial and/or parallel, i.e. overlap one another. Axes described hereinas not being aligned are not coaxial, i.e. do not overlap. Inorientations 400 (FIG. 4A) and 700 (FIG. 7A), the long axes of adjacentrigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are aligned. Inorientations 500, 600, 800, and 900, the long axes of adjacent rigidlocking teeth disposed in the same column are not aligned. Inorientations 400, 500, 700, and 800, the long axes of adjacent rigidlocking teeth disposed in the same row are parallel. In orientations 600and 900, the long axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in thesame row are not parallel.

In orientations 400, the short axes of adjacent rigid locking teethdisposed in the same row are aligned. In orientations 500, 600, 700,800, and 900, the short axes of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed inthe same row are not aligned.

FIG. 4A shows a portion of plurality of Applicant's rigid locking teeth,such as plurality of rigid locking teeth 104, wherein that plurality ofrigid locking teeth comprise orientation 400. In certain embodiments,each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 4A comprisesa rigid locking tooth 300. In certain embodiments, each of the pluralityof rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 4A comprises a rigid locking tooth302. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid lockingteeth shown in FIG. 4A comprises a rigid locking tooth 304. In certainembodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG.4A comprises a rigid locking tooth 306. In certain embodiments, each ofthe plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 4A is selected fromthe group consisting of a rigid locking tooth 300, a rigid locking tooth302, a rigid locking tooth 304, and a rigid locking tooth 306.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, the plurality of rigid lockingteeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4,and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, rigidlocking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For thesake of clarity, FIG. 4A shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. Inactual implementation, Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth 104comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individualrigid locking teeth, per square inch.

FIGS. 4B and 4C comprise top views of orientation 400 shown in FIG. 4A.Referring now to FIG. 4B, the rigid locking teeth comprising column 1are separated from the rigid locking teeth comprising column 2 by aspacing 402. In certain embodiments, spacing 402 is substantially thesame as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth.By “substantially the same,” Applicant means within plus or minus tenpercent (10%). In other embodiments, spacing 402 is less than width 382.In still other embodiments, spacing 402 is greater than width 382.

Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing 404, and column 3 andcolumn 4 are separated by spacing 406. In certain embodiments, spacing404 is substantially the same as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of theindividual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing 404 isless than width 382. In still other embodiments, spacing 404 is greaterthan width 382. In certain embodiments, spacing 406 is substantially thesame as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth.In other embodiments, spacing 406 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 406 is greater than width 382.

In orientation 400 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C, the long axes 390 ofeach rigid locking tooth disposed in a column are aligned, and the shortaxis 395 of each rigid locking tooth disposed in a row are aligned. Forexample, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4; are each disposedin column 1. Aggregate long axis 450 comprises the individual long axis390 of each of rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4. Similarly,aggregate long axes 460, 470, and 480, comprise the individual long axis390 of each rigid locking tooth disposed in columns 2, 3, and 4,respectively.

Rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1; are disposed in row 1.Aggregate short axis 410 comprises the individual short axis 395 of eachof rigid locking teeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1. Similarly, aggregateshort axes 420, 430, and 440, comprise the individual short axis 395 ofeach tooth disposed in rows 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

FIG. 5A shows a portion of plurality of Applicant's rigid locking teeth,wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation 500.In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 5A comprises a rigid locking tooth 300. In certainembodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG.5A comprises a rigid locking tooth 302. In certain embodiments, each ofthe plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 5A comprises a rigidlocking tooth 304. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality ofrigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 5A comprises a rigid locking tooth306. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid lockingteeth shown in FIG. 5A is selected from the group consisting of a rigidlocking tooth 300, a rigid locking tooth 302, a rigid locking tooth 304,and a rigid locking tooth 306.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5A, the plurality of rigid lockingteeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4,and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5A, rigidlocking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For thesake of clarity, FIG. 5A shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth.

The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigidlocking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing 502. In certainembodiments, spacing 502 is substantially the same as the width 382(FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially thesame,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In otherembodiments, spacing 502 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 502 is greater than width 382.

Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing 504, and column 3 andcolumn 4 are separated by spacing 506. In certain embodiments, spacing504 is substantially the same as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of theindividual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing 504 isless than width 382. In still other embodiments, spacing 504 is greaterthan width 382. In certain embodiments, spacing 506 is substantially thesame as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth.In other embodiments, spacing 506 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 506 is greater than width 382.

FIG. 5B comprise a top view of one column of rigid locking teethdisposed in orientation 500. In orientation 500, the individual longaxes 390 of each rigid locking tooth disposed in a column are notaligned. For example, rigid locking tooth 1,1 comprises long axis 515,and the adjacent rigid locking tooth in column 1, namely rigid lockingtooth 1,2, comprises long axis 525. As FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate, longaxes 515 and 525 are not aligned. Rather, long axis 525 is offset fromlong axis 515 by a first offset angle Φ1. In certain embodiments, firstoffset angle Φ1 is between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees.

Similarly, long axis 535 is offset from long axis 525 by a second offsetangle. In certain embodiments, second offset angle is between about 5degrees and about 45 degrees. Long axis 545 is offset from long axis 535by a third offset angle. In certain embodiments, the third offset angleis between about 5 degrees and about 45 degrees. As a general matter, inorientation 500 the long axis for the (i)th rigid locking tooth in (j)thcolumn is offset from the long axis of the adjacent (i+1)th rigidlocking tooth in that (j)th column by the (i)th offset angle.

In orientation 500 illustrated in Ms. 5A and 5D, the long axes 390 ofadjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are notaligned, however the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the samerow are parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, are alldisposed in row 4, and comprise long axes 510, 520, 530, and 540,respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, long axes 510, 520, 530, and540, are parallel.

FIG. 6A shows a portion of Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth,wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation 600.In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 6A comprises a rigid locking tooth 300. In certainembodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG.6A comprises a rigid locking tooth 302. In certain embodiments, each ofthe plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 6A comprises a rigidlocking tooth 304. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality ofrigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 6A comprises a rigid locking tooth306. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid lockingteeth shown in FIG. 6A is selected from the group consisting of a rigidlocking tooth 300, a rigid locking tooth 302, a rigid locking tooth 304,and a rigid locking tooth 306.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A, the plurality of rigid lockingteeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4,and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6A, rigidlocking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For thesake of clarity, FIG. 6A shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. Inactual implementation, Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth 104comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individualrigid locking teeth.

The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigidlocking teeth comprising column 2 by a maximum spacing 602. In certainembodiments, maximum spacing 602 is substantially the same as the width382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantiallythe same,” Applicant means within plus or minus twenty percent (20%). Inother embodiments, maximum spacing 602 is less than width 382. In stillother embodiments, maximum spacing 602 is greater than width 382.

Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing maximum 604, andcolumn 3 and column 4 are separated by maximum spacing 606. In certainembodiments, maximum spacing 604 is substantially the same as the width382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In otherembodiments, maximum spacing 604 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, maximum spacing 604 is greater than width 382. In certainembodiments, maximum spacing 606 is substantially the same as the width382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In otherembodiments, maximum spacing 606 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, maximum spacing 606 is greater than width 382.

In orientation 600 illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the long axes 390 ofadjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are notaligned. Moreover, the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the samerow are not parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, areall disposed in row 4, and comprise long axes 610, 620, 630, and 640,respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, long axes 610 is not parallelto long axis 620, which is not parallel to long axis 630, which is notparallel to long axis 640.

FIG. 7A shows a portion of Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth,wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation 700.In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 7A comprises a rigid locking tooth 300. In certainembodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG.7A comprises a rigid locking tooth 302. In certain embodiments, each ofthe plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 7A comprises a rigidlocking tooth 304. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality ofrigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 7A comprises a rigid locking tooth306. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid lockingteeth shown in FIG. 7A is selected from the group consisting of a rigidlocking tooth 300, a rigid locking tooth 302, a rigid locking tooth 304,and a rigid locking tooth 306.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7B, the plurality of rigid lockingteeth comprising orientation 700 are arranged in columns and rows,namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4, and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 7B, rigid locking tooth 1,1 for exampleis disposed in column 1 and row 1. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 7Bshows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth.

The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigidlocking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing 702. In certainembodiments, spacing 702 is substantially the same as the width 382(FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially thesame,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In otherembodiments, spacing 702 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 702 is greater than width 382.

Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing 704, and column 3 andcolumn 4 are separated by spacing 706. In certain embodiments, spacing704 is substantially the same as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of theindividual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing 704 isless than width 382. In still other embodiments, spacing 704 is greaterthan width 382. In certain embodiments, spacing 706 is substantially thesame as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth.In other embodiments, spacing 706 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 706 is greater than width 382.

In orientation 700 illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, the long axes390 of adjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column arealigned. For example, aggregate long axis 710 comprises the individuallong axes 390 of rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4. Similarly,aggregate long axis 720 comprises the individual long axes 390 of rigidlocking teeth 2,1; 2,2; 2,3; and 2,4. Similarly, aggregate long axis 730comprises the individual long axes 390 of rigid locking teeth 3,1; 3,2;3,3; and 3,4. Similarly, aggregate long axis 740 comprises theindividual long axes 390 of rigid locking teeth 4,1; 2,4; 4,3; and 4,4.

In orientation 700, the short axes 395 of the rigid locking toothdisposed in the same row are not aligned. For example, rigid lockingteeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1, are disposed in row 1. Rigid locking tooth1,4 comprises short axis 750. Rigid locking tooth 2,4 comprises shortaxis 760. Rigid locking tooth 3,4 comprises short axis 770. Rigidlocking tooth 4,4 comprises short axis 780. In the illustratedembodiment of FIG. 7C, short axis 750 is not aligned with short axis760, which is not aligned with short axis 770, which is not aligned withshort axis 780.

FIG. 8A shows a portion of plurality of Applicant's rigid locking teeth,wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprise orientation 800.In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 8A comprises a rigid locking tooth 300. In certainembodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG.8A comprises a rigid locking tooth 302. In certain embodiments, each ofthe plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FM. 8A comprises a rigidlocking tooth 304. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality ofrigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 8A comprises a rigid locking tooth306. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid lockingteeth shown in FIG. 8A is selected from the group consisting of a rigidlocking tooth 300, a rigid locking tooth 302, a rigid locking tooth 304,and a rigid locking tooth 306.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8A, the plurality of rigid lockingteeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4,and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8A, rigidlocking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For thesake of clarity, FIG. 8A shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. Inactual implementation, Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth 104comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individualrigid locking teeth.

The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigidlocking teeth comprising column 2 by a spacing 802. In certainembodiments, spacing 802 is substantially the same as the width 382(FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantially thesame,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). In otherembodiments, spacing 802 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 802 is greater than width 382.

Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing 804, and column 3 andcolumn 4 are separated by spacing 806. In certain embodiments, spacing804 is substantially the same as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of theindividual rigid locking teeth. In other embodiments, spacing 804 isless than width 382. In still other embodiments, spacing 804 is greaterthan width 382. In certain embodiments, spacing 806 is substantially thesame as the width 382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth.In other embodiments, spacing 806 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, spacing 806 is greater than width 382.

In orientation 800 illustrated in Ms. 8A and 8B, the long axes 390 ofadjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are notaligned. For example, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4;comprise long axes 810, 820, 830, and 840, respectively. Long axis 810is not aligned with long axis 820, which is not aligned with long axis830, which is not aligned with long axis 840.

In orientation 800, the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the samerow are parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, are alldisposed in row 4, and comprise long axes 840, 880, 890, and 895,respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, long axes 840, 880, 890, and895, are parallel to one another.

In orientation 800, the short axes 395 of the rigid locking toothdisposed in the same row are not aligned. For example, the rigid lockingteeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1; comprise short axis 815, 850, 860, and870, respectively, wherein axis 815 is not aligned with axis 850, whichis not aligned with axis 860, which is not aligned with axis 870.

FIG. 9A shows a portion of plurality of Applicant's rigid locking teeth,wherein that plurality of rigid locking teeth comprises orientation 900.In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teethshown in FIG. 9A comprises a rigid locking tooth 300. In certainembodiments, each of the plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG.9A comprises a rigid locking tooth 302. In certain embodiments, each ofthe plurality of rigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 9A comprises a rigidlocking tooth 304. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality ofrigid locking teeth shown in FIG. 9A comprises a rigid locking tooth306. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of rigid lockingteeth shown in FIG. 9A is selected from the group consisting of a rigidlocking tooth 300, a rigid locking tooth 302, a rigid locking tooth 304,and a rigid locking tooth 306.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9A, the plurality of rigid lockingteeth are arranged in columns and rows, namely columns 1, 2, 3, and 4,and rows 1, 2, 3, and 4. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9A, rigidlocking tooth 1,1 for example is disposed in column 1 and row 1. For thesake of clarity, FIG. 9A shows a total of 16 rigid locking teeth. Inactual implementation, Applicant's plurality of rigid locking teeth 104comprises between about one hundred, and about ten thousand individualrigid locking teeth.

The rigid locking teeth comprising column 1 are separated from the rigidlocking teeth comprising column 2 by a maximum spacing 902. In certainembodiments, maximum spacing 902 is substantially the same as the width382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. By “substantiallythe same,” Applicant means within plus or minus ten percent (10%). Inother embodiments, maximum spacing 902 is less than width 382. In stillother embodiments, maximum spacing 902 is greater than width 382.

Similarly, column 2 and 3 are separated by spacing maximum 904, andcolumn 3 and column 4 are separated by maximum spacing 906. In certainembodiments, maximum spacing 904 is substantially the same as the width382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In otherembodiments, maximum spacing 904 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, maximum spacing 904 is greater than width 382. In certainembodiments, maximum spacing 906 is substantially the same as the width382 (FIG. 3F) of the individual rigid locking teeth. In otherembodiments, maximum spacing 906 is less than width 382. In still otherembodiments, maximum spacing 906 is greater than width 382.

In orientation 900 illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the long axes 390 ofadjacent rigid locking teeth disposed in the same column are notaligned. For example, rigid locking teeth 1,1; 1,2; 1,3; and 1,4;comprise long axes 910, 920, 930, and 940, respectively. Long axis 910is not aligned with long axis 920, which is not aligned with long axis930, which is not aligned with long axis 940.

In orientation 900, the long axes of the rigid locking teeth in the samerow are not parallel. Rigid locking teeth 1,4; 2,4; 3,4; and 4,4, areall disposed in row 4, and comprise long axes 940, 980, 990, and 995,respectively. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, long axis 940 is not parallelwith long axis 980, which is not parallel with long axis 990, which isnot parallel with long axis 995. Alternate long axes, such as long axes940 and 990 and long axes 980 and 995, are parallel to one another.

In orientation 900, the short axes 395 of the rigid locking teethdisposed in the same row are not aligned. For example, the rigid lockingteeth 1,1; 2,1; 3,1; and 4,1; comprise short axis 915, 950, 960, and970, respectively, wherein axis 915 is not aligned with axis 950, whichis not aligned with axis 960, which is not aligned with axis 970.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications andadaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the present invention as set forthherein.

I claim:
 1. A method to manufacture a fixturing apparatus, comprising:forming a first assembly comprising a first semi-circular member and afirst plurality of locking teeth disposed on an interior surface of saidsemi-circular member and extending outwardly therefrom; forming a secondassembly comprising a second semi-circular member and a second pluralityof locking teeth disposed on an interior surface of said semi-circularmember and extending outwardly therefrom; attaching said first assemblyto said second assembly: wherein said first assembly further comprises afirst semi-circular lip attached to said first semi-circular member andextending outwardly therefrom; further comprising attaching said firstsemi-circular lip to said second semi-circular lip to form an annularlip attached to said tubular member and extending outwardly therefrom;wherein: said first semi-circular member comprises a first end and asecond end; said second semi-circular member comprises a first end and asecond end; said attaching further comprises: attaching an end of saidfirst semi-circular member to said first end of said secondsemi-circular member, and attaching said second end of said firstsemi-circular member to a second end of said second semi-circularmember, to form a tubular member having an aperture extendingtherethrough, wherein said first plurality of locking teeth extend intosaid aperture and wherein said second plurality of locking teeth extendinto said aperture; said second assembly further comprises a secondsemi-circular lip attached to said first semi-circular member andextending outwardly thereform.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein saidattaching comprises ultrasonic welding.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein said attaching comprises adhesive bonding.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein said first plurality of locking teeth each comprises afive-sided structure.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said secondplurality of locking teeth each comprises a five-sided structure.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said first plurality of locking teeth eachcomprises a six-sided structure.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein saidsecond plurality of locking teeth each comprises a six-sided structure.